The podocyte is a key cell that forms the last barrier of the kidney filtration unit. One of the most exciting developments in the field of nephrology in the last decade has been the elucidation of its biology and its role in the pathophysiology of inherited and acquired glomerular disease, termed podocytopathy. In this publication, world-renowned experts summarize the most recent findings and advances in the field: they describe the unique biological features and injury mechanisms of the podocyte, novel techniques used in their study, and diagnosis and potential therapeutic approaches to glomerular diseases. Due to its broad scope, this publication is of great value not only for clinical nephrologists and researchers, but also for students, residents, fellows, and postdocs.

Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide disease affecting up to 4% of the population. In many cases, glomerulonephritis is the underlying disease leading to kidney failure. One hallmark of glomerulonephritis is proteinuria, which may in its most severe form lead to nephrotic syndrome. In seven chapters, this book puts light on different aspects related to the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of glomerulonephritis. In addition, chapters dealing with the importance of biomarkers in patients with glomerulonephritis will be beneficial for the open-minded reader. Nevertheless, new insights in renal rehabilitation in patients with chronic kidney disease will be provided.

This book will provide readers with a practice-based approach to all aspects of clinical nephrology. Written by experts in the field, Practical Nephrology offers invaluable practical advice on how to manage specific illnesses and, uniquely, the importance of establishing systems and processes to improve patient safety, enhance the patient pathway and guidance on how to systematically improve clinical governance. A unique aspect of this book are the tips and tricks and, suggestions for avoiding common errors based on the vast experience of the authors. In addition, the Editor has collated a list of links to international registries and guidelines as well as selected disease specific organisations, providing both clinicians and patients with access to helpful and recommended resources. Designed and written in a user-friendly fashion, Practical Nephrology will be the definitive reference for practising nephrologists, trainees and non-nephrologist who encounter renal patients in their daily practice.

Thoroughly updated and revised, this new edition reflects the numerous advances in clinical management of patients in the last decade, including new understanding of pathogenesis, a new classification and the considerable advances in therapeutic options for the disease.

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the commonest manifestation of glomerular disease in children. The syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, generalized edema, and hyperlipidemia. Although genetic or congenital forms are now well recognized, nephrotic syndrome is largely acquired. The latter form can be idiopathic or primary (the causes are unknown) and secondary (the causes are known renal or non-renal diseases). Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome consists of the following glomerulonephritides: minimal change nephropathy (MCN), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MesPGN), and membranous nephritis (MN). The etiopathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome has evolved through several hypotheses ranging from immune dysregulation theory and increased glomerular permeability theory to the current concept of podocytopathy. Podocyte injury is now thought to be the basic pathology in the syndrome. The book chapter aims to highlight the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome as a podocytopathy.

This Handbook serves as a convenient, state-of-the-art and comprehensive resource on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of glomerular diseases. Clinical approaches, modalities and challenges are provided, along with new developments since the publication of Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO): Glomerulonephritis. Chapters dedicated to glomerular diseases mirror the current classification schemes used by Nephrologists and Pathologists and will include definition and natural history, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment (algorithms when appropriate), prognosis and future prospects and current direction of research. Contributing authors consist of internationally renowned glomerulonephritis experts, renal pathologists and clinical nephrologists who are engaged in the management of glomerular diseases in clinical pediatric and internal medicine practices. Glomerulonephritis fills a considerable knowledge gap for general nephrologists, providers involved with the care of patients with glomerular diseases, and researchers. It should also be of value to medical students, interns, residents and fellows, as well as all clinicians engaged in medical education.

An algorithmic approach to interpreting renal pathology, updated in light of recent advances in understanding and new classification schemes.